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The family of James Hartnell uploaded a photo
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
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Jill Hartnell posted a condolence
Friday, October 18, 2013
It's easy to remember Dad of the last few years, unable to walk due to his swollen feet. Not participating in conversations because he couldn't hear. Not able to enjoy his food because of various problems. Essentially, the aging process had changed him a bit.
So I want you to think back and remember the real Dad, or Papa, or Jim.
When I think of words to define my Dad, who he was as a person, what first comes to mind are protector, and provider. Dad knew his role as a father, and he fulfilled that with all his being.
As patriarch of the family he made sure his family was kept safe and comfortable. And sometimes that meant taking significant risks. When Burma and India became unstable he picked up the family - mom, their kids at the time: Jennifer, John, and Jane, along with moms youngest brother, and moved to England looking for a better life. While England was safer, it was dreary and the economy was questionable. Better, but not good enough for his family. Time to pick up again in search of a better life and move to Canada. This time with just their now 4 kids. Each time he moved he had to start over. And each time he built a life for us than better than the one before.
As a man, he didn't shy away from responsibility. My mom lost her parents and proceeded to care for her brothers, at the age of 16. When my dad married her, Dad willingly took on the instant family of her 2 younger brothers.
As a husband, Dad honored my mom and was quite devoted to her. He protected and took care of her. When Alzheimers set in, he took over the nurturing role as a full time caregiver even though it didn't come easy to him. When she went into the nursing home he visited her every day almost without fail. At first it was just visits. As her illness progressed he fed her and did whatever was necessary to ensure she was well cared for. My mom went through some significant trauma as a teenager and I think my Dad was consumed with ensuring she should only get the best, and would never suffer again.
Dad was very smart. We've all depended on Dad for his wisdom at various times in our lives. But he never lectured. Upon hearing this, I know my daughter Willow is wishing I could be more like him. Sorry. Dad would listen to your problem and his advice was usually pretty succinct. Sometimes it was just "What's to be done". In Dad speak that means "sometimes you have to accept what's happened and make the best of it. "
But our family life wasn't always something out of the Walton's. Dad was hard on us sometimes. But that's because he took his role as a father seriously and deeply cared that we became good people, successful in life, and happy. Typical of fathers in that era he let mom do most of the day to day parenting, but stepped in whenever a heavy hand was needed. I meant that figuratively, not literally. Well except in my brother John's case. Dad was hard on us at times, but it was done out of concern for who we would become.
He was very capable, whether it be his profession, or around the house. There was nothing he couldn't fix. He could take anything apart, put it back together. Not only that, but it actually worked when he put it back together, and ran better than ever. Dad could fix anything. I remember one time when we were driving to Florida and the muffler broke. Rather than driving the rest of our trip with the hot rod noise, he made a new muffler out of a juice can and some duct tape, and on our way we went.
Maybe Dad was so smart and successful because he had an amazing memory. Up until the last few months or so, if you asked him the name of his favorite restaurant he visited in Switzerland with his boss Steve Platz long ago, he would get all excited about his experience, and let you know that it was March 17 1978, tell you the name of the restaurant, then add in that he had a "beautiful filet" and Steve had the shrimp scampi but the filet was better.
Dad appreciated both the very good things in life like first class trips to Switzerland, and the simpler things like taking us camping at the ocean and playing in the surf with us. I had never paid much attention to this but when my dad sat down into a comfy chair he would say "ah dear me". One of my kids pointed it out and asked if that was some kind of prayer or something. I thought about it and responded that no, to him it means that he's grateful for getting off his swollen ankles, happy to sink into a comfortable chair and feel the warmth of his family around him.
For Dad loved his family and just being with us always made him very proud.
Dad was so proud of us, especially Jane. I sometimes wonder if he named my younger sister Janess (spelled Jane with 2 s) because they had had such great luck with that name the first time.
Dad was someone who always followed the rules. One time we were all in the car in slow heavy traffic. I was in the backseat with my kids who were quite young at the time. Kevin my husband was driving and Dad was in the passenger seat. We came to a parking lot entrance and Kevin stopped to let someone in. Dad said somewhat agitated, "What are you doing that for? You have the right of way". Thank goodness he didn't hear my smart aleck son in the back say "Every man for himself!!"
But Dad was also unselfish, independent and very humble. He did things on his own, figured them out for himself, and never asked for help. He never wanted to be a burden on anyone. Even last week when he was recovering from pneumonia and I said I was coming for a visit, he said "I'm OK, you don't have to go out of your way like that".
At this point, I think you get the picture. Dad was very much a family man who took his job as father seriously. He guided us, protected us, and provided for us very well. He was a good man and I am SO very proud to have him as my father and role model.
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Jan and Nigel, Caroline and Claire lit a candle
Friday, October 18, 2013
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Dearest Cousins and their families in Canada (and the US and beyond), we grieve with you on the passing of a real gentleman. So proud of my dear, kind loving and generous Uncle Jim - a true family man. I am grateful that my own family had managed to meet him as he was one in a million. "Cuzzins" our hearts and prayers are with you all. much love from DownUnder, jan
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Heather (nee Williams) and Andy Rogers lit a candle
Thursday, October 17, 2013
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We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family at this difficult time.
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Rachel Lam posted a condolence
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Rachel Lam purchased flowers (Peaceful Garden Basket)
Dear Jill, To let you know we are thinking of you at this time... With love, Mike,Tish, and Rachel
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Matt and Carm Spehar posted a condolence
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Jeff, Carla and family, Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Matt and Carm Spehar
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Bill & Marg Winger posted a condolence
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Jim was a respected and loved co-worker at Canada Alloy Castings until he retired. I appreciated him and Joan and their zest for life and people generally. May God grant you peace as you continue to enjoy the memories made with Jim.
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Mike Demele lit a candle
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
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My heart goes out to the Hartnell family. Knowing Jill for many years I know your father had to be a very special and honorable man. I'm sure he was very proud of you all. My thoughts are with you during this tough time.
- Mike
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Tish and Curt Gorman lit a candle
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
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Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about your Dad's death. As you grieve, know that we are remembering you.
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Peter & Elaine Williams posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Hartnell family on the loss of their father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a close friend of ours for many years and will be greatly missed. We have many happy memories of good times shared with Jim and Joan over more than 30 years.
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linda cochrane posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Janess and family, I loved your dad! I saw him regularly when I visited my mom at Emmanuel Village. He was always SUCH a gentleman and so kind to me and my mom. And OH SO HANDSOME! I am very glad I had the chance to know him. My thoughts are with you and yours.
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Nathalia Zuniga Ioannou lit a candle
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
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My deepest condolences for your loss Jeff, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I send all of you my thoughts of comfort. Nathalia
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Donald Campbell posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Jeff, please accept our sincere condolences. In rapid succession our parents' generation now passes. You, Carla and your children are very much in mind at this time. Don., Anne, Florence and Thomas
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Andrea West and Paul Grubb lit a candle
Sunday, October 13, 2013
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Jeff, Carla, Graham, Emily and Connor. We were so sorry to hear of your father/ grandfather's passing. Our hearts and thoughts are with you. Remember the good times. Andrea and Paul
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Stauffer Motors posted a condolence
Friday, October 11, 2013
Stauffer Motors made a donation to HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO
During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies. If you need a friend to help you through this, you know who to call.
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Tish & Curt Gorman posted a condolence
Friday, October 11, 2013
Tish & Curt Gorman made a donation to HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO
Jill: During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies. If you need a friend to help you through this, you know who to call.
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Debra Jouppi posted a condolence
Friday, October 11, 2013
Debra Jouppi made a donation to HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO
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Linda Gandy posted a condolence
Friday, October 11, 2013
Linda Gandy made a donation to HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO
John, Lynn and the Hartnell family my deepest sympathies on the loss of you father.
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Kevin Marinelli posted a condolence
Friday, October 11, 2013
Kevin Marinelli made a donation to HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO
During this difficult time we would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies.
